Hex

England's Bark Psychosis were one of the first to be considered "post-rock." The band's 1994 album Hex was partially recorded in Stratford's St. John's Church, and it's about as majestic and enigmatic as those surroundings. Though its cast of instruments is substantial -- samples, keyboards, melodica, Hammond, vibraphone, flute, trumpet, djembe, violin, cello -- this seamless set comes off with minimalist ease. The few hushed vocals sound like they come from a ragged rocker too tortured to howl, but the real beauty is in the fluid and vivid instrumentation that sparkles like stained glass.